On May 2 and 3, Urmas Sisask’s Mass No. 5, written in honor of the 90th anniversary of the Estonian Republic and dedicated to the Estonian people, will be premiered in Tartu and Tallinn. Mass will be performed by St. Michael’s Boys’ Choir, Tartu Boys’ Choir and chamber orchestra Collegium Consonante conducted by Lehari Kaustel.
Sisask’s Mass No. 5 Op. 113 bears the subtitle „Chateau Rocher” after the poem of the same name by Einar Laigna-Mühlenbach. Beside the poem, Sisask uses also traditional liturgical text. Mass was written specially in consideration of soloist who sings both baritone and countertenor part. At the first performance, soloist will be Taniel Kirikal. Composer wishes that themes of the Mass that he believes to have been given from above will reach the listener. He says: „I chose gammas and melodies that would be as simple as possible, so that people can easily remember them.” According to Sisask, the Mass is characterised by temperamental nature and use of terpsichorean elements of Baroque music.
The performances of Urmas Sisask’s Mass No. 5 will take place on May 2 at 7 pm in Tallinn St. John’s Church and May 3 at 7 pm in Tartu St. John’s Church. Concerts are organised by NPO Crescendo. The entrance is free.
The main source of Urmas Sisask’s (b. 1960) music is astronomy – the basis of many of his works are mathematical descriptions of planets’ movements. In addition, his idiom is substantially influenced by Estonian folk music. Sisask has gained world-wide popularity foremost with his sacred choral music with simple harmony and beautiful melodies. His large-scale choral works include “Gloria Patri” (1988), “Magnificat” (1990), “Te Deum” (1992), “Christmas Oratorio” (1992), Mass No. 1 (1990), Mass No. 2 (1990), Mass No. 3 “Estonian Mass” (1992), Mass No. 4 (1993).
Mariliis Valkonen